Espresso mania
August 10th, 2005
I’ve always found it strange that I drink so much coffee. I like it, but generally I like espresso. In fact, my girlfriend and I have the (Rancilio Silvia) machine mentioned in this article: Boing Boing: Espresso crema shots. I think this has inspired me to get a hand grinder for coffee beans, in that it is cheaper, lasts forever, takes up less space, and looks nice. I am currently researching an espresso machine for my lab group. I am leaning towards getting the Gaggia Classic, which has many similarities to the Silvia only it is a bit easier to use and can be used with espresso pods (little plastic containers of preground coffee).
I think generally they overlooked the fact that once you get in with your local coffee shop you can get pretty nice grinds from them. Something that no one in the online coffee selling world would want you to believe. The rockers down at Gorilla Coffee in my old neighborhood would always hook it up. They are also fair trade only, which is no joke. They have a crazy italian roasting machine that looks like something out of a Terry Gilliam movie, which is worth seeing if you’re ever in the 718 area.
Also, I’m not sure if I am one with the snobbery attached to espresso. I mean I like a great espresso and the art and science (Percolation Theory?) of making one, but still love a cup of Folgers instant.